Coachella 2014: 23 arrests so far, down from last year

INDIO>> As of 11 a.m. Saturday, there have been 14 arrests because of alcohol-related offenses and nine arrests because of narcotics. In total, there have been 23 arrests, 10 less than Coachella’s first day in 2013.

Officials encourage festival-goers to be patient, to listen to officials and follow the law when walking to and from the festival.

The 14 alcohol-related offenses included people who were too inebriated, or underage and consuming or possessing alcohol. For the nine narcotic arrests, it included people who were in possession of illegal substances or under the influence of illegal substances.

“Our staff that is out and about on the venue, besides making sure that everyone is safe and making sure traffic is going well, we’re looking out for people who are doing something they shouldn’t be doing. Making sure they’re okay and making sure they’re responsible,” said Ben Guitron, spokesman for the Indio Police Department. “We’re evaluating our first night and we make adjustments as needed. The first day is a big day for all of us.”

Guitron mentioned that there had been many close calls in regards to pedestrians being “bumped” by cars and urges pedestrians to be careful when walking and to not jay walk.